Hey all,

I'm planning a diorama with an SdKfz 251 passing through a grassy field just prior to being attacked by US paratroopers.

The 251 will have three guys relaxing, having something to eat.

Please give me your opinions on their poses.

Thanks!
Quintin

Well, they would work if you fill up the empty space behind their backs wirh equipment or a tarpualin, so they would lean into those.
The only problem with that would be that the reardoors would be completely blocked.

My first impression on where these guys are sitting is that there needs to be a fourth figure or something in the way of the space next to the standing figure.
Just thinking about how I would spread out and the 'dynamics' of human space would lend itself to one of the two seated guys moving move to the middle of one of the benches. Unless confined its human nature to spread out and get as much space as possible.

Now the execution so far is good. I like where you're heading and the techniques you're using.

Thanks for the feedback, guys.

I will fill up the blank spaces behind the two seated soldiers with something, will look through my spares box. The middle guy will obviously be leaning against something substantial like an ammo box or something.

How's this?

I'm not a fan of the second positioning. Again, from a human nature standpoint, the middle guy would be turned 90 degrees to interact. My suggestion would be to go back to the first position and fill the front space, pushing the two guys back to the rear of the vehicle.

I really like the guys at the back as it is a really nice pose, the only problem I see with it is that it would be damn uncomfortable.

Have to agree with Scot on this one. Consider adding another figure maybe sitting to the right of machinegun on hull side. Some one looking out for trouble but his duty interupted by his companion offering the smoke. Not paying attention as the infantry creeps up to surprize them.

I wold try and have them sitting in the seats with their becks against the back rest. With one leg on the floor and the other leg resing on the seat across from them. It would appear mor natural. Just worth a shot.

I'd go with the backs to the front because it seems more natural (as explained above). Maybe have the standing soldier placed at the rear. Maybe he's suppose to be keeping watch, manning the MG, etc. Maybe put a fourth figure outside the vehicle a feet scale feet away, like he's supposed to be keeping watch. Make him distracted, looking back at his dining comrades. Perhaps the standing soldier is supposed to relieve him. He does not notice the paras moving in. The fourth figure could also fill out the dio base.

Once again, thanks guys! You've all been a great help.

I've run out of stash figures, so it's off to the LHS again. I definitely keep you posted on the progress. This project has been floating around in my head for over two years now, and I've just decided it's time to put it down on mounting board, so to speak.

In any event, good luck for 2010 and happy modelling to all!

Quintin

Hey guys,

How about this? Opinions please.







Quintin

Hi there!
Interesting job you are doing with those figures. I think the pose of the figures in your last post is very convincing. Just add some stowage under the arm of the guy in the center.
I will follow your progress with much interest.
Thanks for sharing!

Pablo

Hi Pablo,

Thanks for the feedback. I plan to add lots of stowage to the interior - weapons, helmets, packs etc. This project has been creeping around in my head for quite some time now and I hope to have regular updates.

Thanks for the interest.
Quintin

Quinton,
I think the current set up is the best you have come up with. Looks more natural to me.

Bingo! that's the one to use

the last pic looks good, add some gear and it should be ready to go, possibly add a guy on the forward machine gun, have the gun facing the left, with the guy manning it in the space to the right, and make sure his head is turned to face the others so it gives the impression he's interacting with the others, that way if you've got some paratroopers sneaking up... it would look more realistic because the machine gunner is distracted. keep up the good work Quintin i'll be keeping an eye on this one. Ant

Hi, i would think all the figures would be sitting considering they were just shot at, and the other thing i would also add in when you get to that stage is lose ammo, or spent ammo castings, maybe a few grenades. Also is there going to be a radio man next to the driver,

Hi William,
Thanks for your inputs. However, the scene is just before they're being attacked. My idea is something similar to the scene in Saving Private Ryan where the airborne troops take out the unsuspecting 251 in the grassy field.

I will also be adding lots of gear inside the vehicle, maybe an extra in the front (thanks Ant), if I can scrounge enough spare body parts

The build might take a while as I have limited time to spend on my hobby, but definitely keep you guys posted.

Cheers!
Quintin

hi quintin


it think your current set up, is the most realistic and natural,

a word of advice over adding a man manning the MG, the space in the 251 cramped at the best of time so adding a third figure has to be well placed by the gun, so's not to over crowd the half track, but if you do, i would suggest him resting his arm against the stock of the Mg 34/42

anyway way only a suggestion, i feel your current setup is grand the way it is



shane

Go with you on this on Ant another guy standing by the mg maybe with his hand resting on top of it you know casually draped over it half aware talking to the other crew members.Go for it

Position wise this is the best of all. You get the space filled, it is a natural body position for all three. You also get the visual triangle between the three guys.

Nice adjustment.

i agree with you there Scott, but Quintin should definately go with some one manning or at least draping his arm over the mg 34/42 because we know for a fact the german army during world war 2 was an effective fighting force. and i just can't see them sitting in the back of a halftrack without someone keeping an eye out for threats, perhaps earlier in the war maybe... but not from 43 onwards after a string of defeats this would certainly be very lax behavior indeed. i'm not critisicing anyone here in the end of the day it's up to Quintin, but in terms of realism for me a gunner at the front or the rear- prodominantly the front is a must for me. just my opinion. Ant

Hey guys,

That's settled then. Thanks for all your inputs, you've all been very helpful.

Ant, Shane, Phil and Scott - your opinions make perfect sense and I'll definitely look into adding another guy at the front MG station.

Will keep you all updated with the progress.

Cheers!

That is the best of your set-ups so far. Add a little stowed gear hera and there on the inside and it will be perfect.

Tom

Hey fellas,

Alrighty, here's crew member #4.









Hope y'all like it!

Quintin